BJJ Scout's BJJ Digest: Gordon/Craig Jones Tag Team Challenge, Burns vs Maia, et al

After Jones tapped Fredson Paixaio and Gordon tapped Gonzaga (I know, I know) the bounty was offered for 2 guys to step up and face them. It's kinda like MJ and Pippen  tossing out a challenge to play 2 on 2 in their heyday, but I'm all for cash money wager pink slip style in the sport. Too many guys for too long complained about no money in the sport but now somehow find themselves busy when EBI and other events offer real money, so we'll see who answers the call now that the gauntlet has been laid.

Takedowns for BJJ: Sumi Gaeshi

I get asked a lot which Judo I actually use in Jiu-Jitsu, and which throws I prefer. I did a lot of trial and error early on at white, blue, and purple belt cross training and figuring out what JiuJitsu posture and rulles (and lack of gripping restrictions) change in regard to using Judo style takedowns (as opposed to wrestling et cetera) in JiuJitsu rule sets.

As with a lot of things, conjecture is great, but it took a lot of trial and error and frustration to make the necessary changes. I stress this again and again, but as with submission grappling vs wrestling, Judo vs JiuJitsu: the lack of stalling calls and gripping rules completely changes things in a number of respects.

Anyhow, a throw I teach early on to the folks I coach and stress throughout coaching is Sumi Gaeshi: it transitions well to a series of sweeps, it preys on the bent over posture many grapplers will utilize in matches, and it can be done from a variety of grips = the traits I look for in workshopping a Judo throw/takedown for JiuJitsu competition/rulesets.

Starts off with myself and some of the folks I coach hitting it in competition, basis breakdown, and some variations/options demonstrated in live training.

Keenan Talks Brass Tacks (and Sponsorship Program/Tryouts)

I've always had a lot of respect for Keenan as a disrupter of the status quo. I appreciate anyone who says unpopular things and doesn't back down from voicing either the unconventional or the unpopular. He references some ideas about "how things are done" versus stopping to ask yourself "why are they done" and goes in depth about the goals for his gym, the program, and some of the things he's looking for in potential team members.

Takedowns for BJJ: Ouchigari Extended Cut - Rotational power, knee down version, et al

Start with a clip of a student of mine hitting Ouchigari recently in competition, then analysis emphasizing the rotational element often shortchanged in Ouchigari used in live practice and competition. Closes with some live training and me feeding them some opportunities to hit the move in motion rather than static drilling.

Razzle Dazzle Thursday: Cartwheel counter to Opponent's underhook

When in doubt, be extra.
Finishing choices from the front headlock depend if they tripod using hands, allow themselves to be broken down to their knees and the angle of their legs relative to your front headlock.

I end with an outside trip/hook due to the angle and weight over the feet.

BJJ Scout's BJJ Digest: Gordon Ryan MMA, Tonon Talks IBJJF Belt Requirements, Swanson Reaping Knee Injury...

BJJ Scout's BJJ Digest: Quintet Ultra Recap

Takedowns for BJJ: Lucas Lepri Lapel + Single leg & Variations

I've included the best clip of the various responses and Lepri's responses to the responses from the lapel + single leg position in standing (his cartwheel counter and direction changes), then a breakdown of utilizing the cross collar or same side grip and their advantages/disadvantages, then a clip of a student of mine hitting it recently, and a NoGi variation from a collar tie

BJJ Scout's BJJ Digest: Quintet Ultra line-ups final, 2nd UFC Twister Victor speaks, Firas Zahabi talks side dominance vs amibidextrous....

22% of Nogi World Champs at Black Belt returning this year (first year with USADA testing)

Hmmm. You can chalk injury up to a couple names or burnout after ADCC? Perhaps...if you're really reaching. But the truth is pretty obvious if you're paying attention. Institute even twice a year testing (NoGi worlds and Gi Worlds) and you'll see a lot more human looking performances. Also interesting to see Kaynan still curiously not doing IBJJF events after literally doing them most of his life throughout the belts and then all of a sudden hasn't done an IBJJF event since winning worlds and rumors of a positive test surfaced.

Don't forget, Galvao roasted Pena for not coming forward more quickly, so it'll be interesting if/when Kaynan comes out with the news and how Galvao and the Jesus boys spin it. 

UFC 245 Countdown: Usman vs Covington, Nunes vs Randamie, Holloway vs Volkanovski

Ridiculous UFC card this weekend to close out the year:

BJJ Scout's BJJ Digest: Gordon Ryan vs Bo Nickal crossover match, Dillon Danis et al